Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Lexington moves
When planning a move from Columbia to Lexington, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in Columbia who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Columbia to Lexington.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Lexington?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $946 – $2,796 | $622 – $1,584 | $376 – $666 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,811 – $4,861 | $1,147 – $2,337 | $382 – $774 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,939 – $6,623 | $1,476 – $2,876 | $525 – $1,018 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Lexington
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Lexington, you can expect to spend between $946 and $2,796. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,811 to $4,861 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Lexington typically runs between $2,939 and $6,623.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Lexington
When moving from Columbia to Lexington, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $622 and $1,584. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,147 to $2,337. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,476 up to $2,876. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Lexington
Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Lexington. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $376 and $666. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $382 and $774. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $525 and $1,018.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Lexington
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,300, but larger homes can run up to $5,786.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbia.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($376–$873) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Lexington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Lexington runs about 58% higher for singles and -2% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $3,100 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $4,170 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,175 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,110 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $309,021 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $61,526 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $3,100 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,170 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 7% lower in Lexington than in Columbia, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 40% higher in Lexington than in Columbia.
- The average income in Lexington and Columbia is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Lexington, since the cost of living for a single person is 58% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Lexington and Columbia, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Lexington experiences an unemployment rate that is about 17% lower than that of Columbia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Lexington than in Columbia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Lexington can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 43% lower in Kentucky compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbia with Lexington:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Lexington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $206.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $71.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $2.98 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.90 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $14.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $37.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Lexington, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Lexington.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Lexington.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Lexington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Lexington.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Lexington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Lexington.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Lexington
| Columbia | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 320,347 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 90 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 85 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 50.88 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 49.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lexington’s population is about 134% greater than Columbia.
- Lexington’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Lexington is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 85 out of 100, Lexington is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lexington’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 50.88 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Lexington and Columbia have a similar safety level, with scores of 49.12 and 48.39.
- Air quality in Lexington is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Lexington move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Kentucky doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Lexington smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Lexington
Now that you’ve chosen Horse Capital of the World as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lexington to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Downtown Lexington
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair
Best neighborhoods for families
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Paris
- Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
Things to do in Lexington
After getting comfortable in your new Kentucky home, it’s time to see what Lexington is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Lexington offers cultural landmarks like the Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, and The Aviation Museum of Kentucky.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Lexington Legends (ALPB)Lexington SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Lexington?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Lexington are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Lexington?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Lexington are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Lexington take?
A move of 435 miles from Columbia, SC to Lexington, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Lexington is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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